A Reception can be the most fun part of a wedding day to film. We’ve found that the only downside of filming a reception is that (unlike photographers) we can’t use a flash. We never use to like using a video light because they always seemed so intrusive & we preferred not to make wedding guests feel like a deer in the headlights (I know you’ve seen those kind of wedding videos.) Well, sometimes there’s no way to avoid a dark reception venue, so we purchased a small video light that we have come to love because we’ve learned how to use it right… the Sima Video Light Model SL-20LX. It’s the perfect size for us to hold or to fit right on top of our DSLRs.
We’ve found ways to dramatize certain aspects of the reception (like special dances) with the aid of our Sima Video Light. Usually, we speak with our couples & contact our couple’s venue to speak with the person in charge about keeping the lights at a certain level; but every once in a while they forget or it just doesn’t work out… & this is when our trusted little video light has come into play many times.
Instead of aiming the video light right into the eyes of a couple who’s dancing, we simply use it as a background light, which also gives the feel (in the video) like the couple is the only people in the room… the center of attention, which is exactly what they have intended to be.
We filmed Joy & Dan’s beautiful wedding in Canada last weekend & while we were capturing footage, we pulled this clip below. It hasn’t even been colored or anything, but it still looks great. In case the lights are too low, Eugene & I now have a system that works every time. He stands on the opposite side of the couple with the video light while I film the couple’s dance. We filmed part of this clip for you to be able to see where Eugene is standing & how he holds the light just high enough for it to highlight the couple without them squinting. Towards the end of the clip you’ll see how I move the frame to crop Eugene out while keeping the same great highlight on the couple. See how a little bit of light used in the right way made Joy & Dan’s special dance with their little girl, Gracie even more beautiful!
